Armed invaders target Jupiter Farms homes

JUPITER FARMS, FL (WFLX) - Neighbors in this rural community are afraid after a string of three armed home invasion robberies during the past week.

Susan Legate, who owns Country Liquors, decided to post a notice on the crime on her store's front door to alert customers.

"Because some of our customers' neighbors had been invaded and nobody knew about it," she said.

The crimes happened June 1 and 3 at three separate homes late at night or early in the morning.

The three suspects had their faces covered by mask or cloth, were armed with shotguns or handguns, and spoke with street slang.

In each case, they targeted homes where people had their lights on.

"For them coming in when people are at home, it shows they have no fear," said Legate.

In one case after residents were robbed, they where then tied up in their underwear.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office released a sketch of one of the suspects. He's possibly a light skinned Hispanic male, in his 20s, with shoulder length stringy hair, and measures 5' 7" to 5' 9" in height.

The victims house and cell phones were destroyed, so they couldn't call for help.

For some in Jupiter Farms, the easy-going country lifestyle is over.

"It's like the city is encroaching into the country now and we've got no boundaries any more," said Nannette Montgomery.

Investigators say the men actually left residences with more weapons that they came in with, including a 12 gauge shotgun, 3 Smith and Wessons, and a couple of rifles.

If you know anything, you are urged to call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at 1800-458-TIPS.